Celebrations were alive atop the Grand Mesa on Monday after riders pedaled 6,800 feet to the summit from Grand Junction. Rumors swirled that there was to be apple pie à la mode atop the huge mountain, but volunteers were simply handing out oranges. What gives? We’ll keep you posted on that. We certainly deserved apple pie!

This group, all from out of state, broke out into the “YMCA” dance as a stereo crooned. From left, 28-year-old Tori Hoeschler of Minneapolis, Jay Hoeschler, 56, from Lacrosse, Wis., and Tori’s dad Jake Hoeschler, 66, of Naples, Fla.

In 2012, I asked a former colleague whether he was interested in running the Chicago Marathon. Two weeks later, he asked if I was interested in Ride the Rockies. I got a road bike, got on the tour, and have yet to regret it. This will be my third RTR.

Daniel Petty is the digital director of sports for The Denver Post. He competed in track and cross country all four years inc college, but that was six years ago. Now, he's doing Ride the Rockies for the first time.